By custom, you invite your officiant to your rehearsal dinner as a guest. You also invite officiant and his or her spouse to your reception with a formal invitation, just like other guests. Unless officiant is an old family friend, he or she may decline to stay, but an invitation is proper. You aren't expected to invite officiant's children. Can you use a friend as an officiant?

It's done all time, and can make weddings very personal. A father, mother, or friend who introduced you can make for an amazing event. Be sure to pick someone comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, and brush up on your state's laws and licensing requirements. Here's a good site to begin your research:

www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.html

Your chosen friend or family member can become ordained "instantly and online" at Universal Life Church, which in some areas will enable them to perform legal weddings. Again, be sure of your state's laws. Many times, ministers ordained by ULC will also have to register in their state and obtain a license before they can practice. Call your local county clerk for clarification.

Universal Life Church: www.ulc.org

Do I meet with officiant before or after booking, and what should I expect at meeting?

Ideally, an officiant will allow a "getting to know you" meeting before you book them, though not all will. Most at least offer telephone interviews, which helps you see how they fit with your personal style.

During your first meeting, officiant will typically tell you about his or her background, discuss logistics, bring up any premarital counseling requirements, ask some questions about your personal history, and show you a sample ceremony script. This is a good time to discuss special unification ceremonies or personal vows, bring up interfaith issues, and learn whether your officiant plans to attend your rehearsal.

Animal jewelry is not only beautiful, but it is also unique and a wonderful way to show your appreciation for animals. This type of jewlery in form of rings is quite popular. Many animal lovers can choose to have their favorite animal on a ring of their choice. Other styles of animal jewelry include picture bracelets. These styles of picture bracelets have separate links that may either be circular or box shaped and can have a picture of an animal or an engraving of an animal on inside. Designs may include wolfs, turtles, snakes, bear claws, otters, elks, and deers, among many others.

Animal jewelry is perfect gift for animal lover. Animal lovers can find beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, armlets, pendants, belt buckles, cufflinks and even body jewelry with animal themes like horses, dolphins, butterflies, geckos, elephants, frogs, ladybugs and much more.